ABOUT US
ABOVE: Phothonotary Warbler. Photo by Diann Bilderback.
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Upcoming Meeting
July 9, 7:00pm - In Person and via Zoom
Topic: Beyond Our Senses: Bank Swallows--Journey into a World Beyond Human Perception
Presented by Filmmaker David Busse
Location: College of DuPage and Zoom
Beyond Our Senses: Bank Swallows tells the story of how each spring, thousands of bank swallows return to the Lake Michigan bluffs to build colonies, mate, and raise their young. Guided by extraordinary senses, they navigate predators, rivals, and the relentless demands of survival in a hidden world beyond human perception. Following the film, the filmmaker shares the story of his obsessive quest to document the swallows, leading him to daily check-ins, deep research, and collaborations that spanned the globe – all while becoming a father. He discovers behaviors in the footage he had overlooked many times, culminating in a moment with his family at the dinner table that he never could have planned. Learn more at beyondoursensesfilm.com.
Upcoming Field Trips
Registration May Be Required
West DuPage Woods Forest Preserve – Rt. 59, West Chicago
Friday, July 3, 7:30 am – 9:30 amWingspan Game Day at Giorgi’s Game Spot, Elmhurst
Saturday, July 11, 2:00 pm – 5:00 pmSwainson’s Hawk- Kane County, Burlington Township, IL
Sunday, July 12, 9:30 am – 12:00 pmDick Young Forest Preserve, Batavia (Kane County)
Friday, July 17, 7:30 am – 9:30 amDean Nature Sanctuary, Oak Brook
Sunday, July 19, 7:30 am – 9:30 am
2026 Spring Bird Count Preliminary Results
Joe Suchecki - DuPage County Compiler The annual Spring Bird Count was conducted on Saturday May 9th, when over 100 DuPage birders spread out across the county to participate in this statewide event. The weather ...
Recent News
DBC’s Winter/Spring ’26 Contest Last Call!
The DBC’s Photo Contest closed on June 30 and we are accepting photos until July 7, 2026. All photos are welcome: amateur, funny, imperfect, high-quality. The “story behind the shot” is taken into account when the entry is judged. The judges want this to be a fun contest, so no categories have been predefined – every entry has a chance to win! Note: the judges* ask that you limit the number of photos you enter to five or less. They usually do not give out more than one award to the same photographer if they submit multiple images. If you […]
Wingspan Returns July 11th!
Too hot to enjoy birding outside? Let’s get together and play Wingspan in cool comfort! Wingspan is a beautifully crafted game, where each player has several wildlife habitats in which to attract a variety of birds with unique characteristics and abilities. Players collect food, lay eggs, and draw birds from cards with stunning illustrations and interesting facts. It blends education with strategy, in an enjoyable atmosphere. You do not need to know how to play. We will teach you. If you know how to play, you can help others learn. We will provide the game boards and teachers. Your teachers: […]
Resources for Building Your Birding-by-Ear Skills
Level up your birding-by-ear skills and you will 1) identify birds more quickly and accurately, 2) detect more species, and 3) literally double your enjoyment of the pastime. We’re not kidding! You can sharpen your skills right now for all those newly arrived summer residents by tapping into resources on the DBC Education Channel and through Bird Conservation Network (BCN) resources. At the DBC Education Channel, you’ll find five birding-by-ear tutorials authored by our own Joe Suchecki: Thrushes, Empidonax flycatchers, Vireos, Woodpeckers, Grassland birds.
DBC Book Club: Among Penguins: A Bird Man in Antarctica
The DBC Book Club has selected Among Penguins: A Bird Man in Antarctica by Noah Strycker as their next read. From the publisher: “The year he graduated from college, 22-year-old Noah Strycker was dropped by helicopter in a remote Antarctic field camp with two bird scientists and a three months’ supply of frozen food. His subjects: more than a quarter million penguins.” This book chronicles his adventures. The discussion will take place starting at 7 PM on Tuesday, June 9th (location TBA). If you are interested in participating, please email Mike Warner at mwarner2543@gmail.com.Â
Get Free Shipping on DBC Gear!
Did you know DBC members can celebrate and show off their DBC pride with apparel and accessories delivered right to their door? Our club’s online store has just added new shirt designs and eco-friendly water bottles to its selection of items, all featuring our venerable, adorable Downy Woodpecker logo. The free shipping code is DBC-FREESHIP. It is not case sensitive and is valid until 6/30/26. Our shirts, outerwear, bags, and bottles make great holiday gifts for your bird-loving friends too. Get started with your shopping here: https://hyperstitch.com/category/clubs/dupage-birding-club/